Scores of people are feared dead, while at least 10 others have reportedly sustained injuries following a petrol tanker explosion at Oluku along the Benin-Lagos Road in Edo State.
The tragic incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Thursday after a petrol-laden tanker reportedly attempted a U-turn near Oluku Market, fell and spilled its contents onto the road.
According to eyewitness accounts, residents and passers-by rushed to the scene shortly after the accident and began scooping fuel from the fallen tanker before security operatives arrived to cordon off the area.
The situation reportedly turned catastrophic when the tanker exploded, leaving several victims burnt beyond recognition and others with varying degrees of injuries.
Witnesses said people gathered around the fallen tanker to collect petrol before emergency responders secured the scene.
One witness reportedly disclosed that the truck’s owner brought another tanker to evacuate the remaining fuel from the fallen vehicle before the explosion occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion and the exact number of fatalities had yet to be officially confirmed at the time of the report.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers, particularly before emergency personnel have secured accident scenes.
At least 10 injured victims were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency medical attention, while the bodies of deceased victims were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
When THISDAY visited the hospital, its management was reportedly mobilising emergency services to attend to the casualties.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, was seen coordinating the emergency response across the accident and emergency and burns units as medical personnel worked to stabilise critically injured victims and reduce further fatalities.
Doctors, nurses and other emergency workers were involved in efforts to provide urgent treatment to those affected by the explosion.
The Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Preye Ezekiel Bedford, said personnel from the FRSC, Nigeria Police Force, Fire Service and Edo State Traffic Management Agency were at the scene managing traffic and responding to the emergency.
However, Bedford said he was still at the scene and would provide further information on the casualties.
The final death toll and the full extent of the damage had not been officially established at the time of the report.
Meanwhile, the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council has expressed sorrow over the explosion, extending condolences to families affected by the tragedy.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media, John Mayaki, the council described the incident as heartbreaking and called for urgent support for affected families and survivors.
The council also prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving medical treatment.
Our hearts go out to the families affected by this unfortunate tragedy. We share in their grief and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear their losses,” Mayaki said.
He lamented the devastating consequences of the incident, noting that families, parents, children and traders could suffer irreversible losses in such preventable tragedies.
The campaign council particularly commended Professor Ize-Iyamu for personally coordinating the hospital’s emergency response following the explosion.
Mayaki praised the medical director, doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel for their efforts to stabilise injured victims and provide urgent medical care.
He said the response demonstrated the importance of effective leadership and institutional preparedness during public emergencies.
The council also appreciated firefighters, FRSC personnel, police officers, emergency management agencies, ambulance operators, volunteers and other responders involved in rescue and emergency operations.
The Edo tanker explosion has raised renewed concerns about the risks posed by fuel-scooping incidents and the need for swift emergency responses when petroleum tankers crash.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances that led to the tanker overturning and the subsequent explosion.
As of the latest available report, the number of people killed remained unconfirmed, while at least 10 injured victims were reported to have been taken to UBTH for treatment.
